Month: May 2018

If you want to pursue a career as an arborist, getting certifications and qualifications are essential. Going through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is an excellent way to further your goals.
There are many credentials available through ISA so you will need to decide what you want out of your career. That makes selecting the right credential much easier. Remember, you must pass a separate exam based on study materials provided by ISA for each certification or qualification.

Certified Arborist

Earning this certification from ISA signifies you have an excellent general knowledge of trees. You understand their biology, maintenance practices, diagnosis methods, and how to safely work with trees. Many government entities, companies, and even individuals will seek out a tree care professional with at least this certification, ensuring they hire someone qualified.

Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist

If you have experience working with urban trees, this certification can be a useful one to pursue. It covers not only how to manage the health of trees in cities, but also addresses establishing them in that specific environment. This is a good fit for people in positions like an urban forester, city arborist, park superintendent, tree warden, etc.

Certified Arborist Utility Specialist

As an arborist, you’ll come across situations where it’s necessary to prune trees that are nearby utility lines and poles. This certification signifies that you have specialized knowledge about managing vegetation around power lines and other utilities. This is helpful if you plan on pursuing a career in electric utility vegetation management.

Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist

Tree climbing involves a certain amount of risk, both to the climber and to people, vehicles, and buildings in the area. Companies, government entities, and even private property owners feel more comfortable knowing you’re competent as a tree climber. This certification also covers first aid practices, just in case you ever need to help in an emergency.

Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist

An aerial lift is a necessary and helpful tool in certain situations, but it can also be dangerous in the hands of someone who doesn’t know how to operate one properly. With this certification, you can prove to potential employers and customers that you won’t be putting trees, other people, buildings, etc. at unnecessary risk when operating an aerial lift.

Certified Master Arborist

To even qualify for the process to earn this certification, you must be an ISA Certified Arborist in good standing, plus you must complete several other rigorous activities. This certification is to demonstrate that you genuinely have a mastery of arborist principles and practices, showing to potential employers and customers your advanced knowledge.

Tree Risk Assessment Qualification

As an arborist, tree risk assessment is a valuable skill. The purpose of this ISA qualification is to expand your knowledge of the fundamentals of assessing tree risk. Armed with a systemic process, you can help tree owners and risk managers make a decision that promotes not only safety but also the longevity of the tree.

For further questions about ISA certifications and qualifications, or any other tree-related situations, contact us at PPM Tree Service & Arbor Care, LLC.

When it comes to working with trees, the gear isn’t as straightforward as some people might think. The average property owner knows about ladders, gloves, pruning shears, saws, and that’s about it. They have no idea the kinds of interesting tools arborists like the ones that work for PPM Tree Service & Arbor Care, LLC use regularly. Tree service gear is more high tech than one may think!

Following are some of the fascinating equipment available:

Chainsaw Chaps

Most people who use a chainsaw throw on a pair of gloves and hopefully a little light eye protection. Arborists work with chainsaws regularly, so we know the potential hazards of these powerful tools, considering they can throw all kinds of debris. The chaps go over a chainsaw operator’s pants, like a layer of armor. They’re usually a bright color like orange or yellow, boosting safety further.

Throw Lines

To get a rope into the upper portions of a tree before climbing it, arborists use this specialized line. Most are lightweight and thin, plus are made of polyethylene for excellent durability. Throw lines also don’t stretch much, making them perfect for pulling through branches without many issues.

Line Launcher

Speaking of throw lines, arborists don’t usually throw them into trees. Instead, they use a line launcher. Some use springs or rubber bands, while others are air-powered for shooting a throw line into the upper reaches of a tree. These devices look kind of like an extended garden hose attachment and are a lot of fun to see in action.

Inspection Drill

Determining the health of a tree’s wood can be difficult, but an inspection drill helps an arborist do so accurately. The device, which looks like a metal rail a few feet long, measures the resistance exerted as the drill penetrates the wood’s core. Some print the info on wax strips, while others have a digital display.

Tree Root Barrier

If you’ve ever seen what tree roots do to sidewalks, driveways, home foundations, and more, you can appreciate the magic of a tree root barrier. These barriers act as stops for tree roots, redirecting them from hardscaping, but without harming the tree roots. Some contain an herbicide to keep roots from growing in a specific direction.

Integrated Communication System

Being able to communicate with other arborists at the job site clearly is essential, but sometimes you’re too far apart to yell. These systems integrate with safety helmets and include a least one earpiece plus a microphone, so even when your hands are busy, you can still speak.